Licensed Practical Nurse - Full Time - Primary Care Office

About us: For the past 85 years, Stephens County Hospital has been a trusted name in the community, striving for excellence and delivering professional and compassionate care. Our dedicated staff of approximately 475 employees has a heart for healthcare and realizes how precious the gift of good health can be.

Stephens County Hospital is a 96-bed acute care hospital located in Toccoa, Georgia. We are nestled in the beautiful foothills of Northeast Georgia where our family-oriented community offers many cultural and civic opportunities as well as numerous outdoor activities.

Stephens County Hospital is a member of the Georgia Hospital Association, American Hospital Association and Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Stephens County Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s premier healthcare monitoring agency.

Licensed Practical Nurse - Full Time - Monday - Friday - Primary Care Office

The Physician Office Licensed Practical Nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect nursing care to patients.

Education / Experience:

Graduate of an approved Licensed Practical Nursing Program.
Current Georgia License as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
BLS Certification to be obtained within first month of employment.

Responsible to patients of the indicated ages:

Child (Five to Nine Years) Adult (19 to 69 Years)
Adolescent (Ten to 18 Years) Geriatric (70 and Above)

Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrates competency in clinical skills and knowledge pertinent to the practice and education of the Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Prepares, cleans and maintains exam and treatment rooms.
• Conducts pre-visit planning by reviewing and updating patient charts prior to appointment with recent test results and correspondence.
• Confers with physician regarding any incomplete patient tests/consults or other incomplete orders prior to patient visit.
• Prepares patients for examination and treatment by escorting them from the waiting area to the exam room and taking histories and vital signs as appropriate.
• Implements the physician’s orders promptly and appropriately with understanding of the purpose of each as it relates to the patient.
• Monitors the patient’s condition and maintains appropriate documentation.
• Reports abnormalities or instability of the patient’s condition in a timely manner to physician.
• Gives injections and provides other patient care services as directed by the physician.
• Assists with casting and cast removal.
• Administers medications upon physician order.
• Maintains safety and security of medications, needles and syringes.
• Prepares and maintains clinical supplies and equipment.
Physician Office LPN
• Changes dressings and performs ordered treatments.
• Ensures readiness of chart for scheduled surgeries.
• Participates in verification (time out) prior to invasive procedures as designated by policy.
• Assesses patient for pain and documents appropriately when applicable.
• Administers emergency resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest.
• Initiates use of AED; 911 notification is performed.
• Creates, maintains, copies and files patient charts, records and other information as needed.
• Reports and records pertinent information as appropriate.
• Complies with “Do Not Use” abbreviations.
• Repeats and verifies all verbal/phone orders and test results.
• Provides the patient with an explanation of his/her condition and written information when possible.
• Interprets the physician’s instructions to the patient.
• Extends courtesy and demonstrates cooperation while communicating with others.
• Utilizes effective communication skills with patients, families, co-workers, other medical professionals and anyone communicated with in a pleasant and positive manner.
• Accepts suggestions and criticisms and whenever necessary undertakes to change personal behavior or seek further guidance.
• Maintains strict confidentiality.
• Treats staff, physicians, visitors and patients with dignity and respect.
• Utilizes universal precautions in all aspects of work practice.
• Remains in compliance with hospital hand-hygiene policy.
• Reports staff deficits related to compliance with Infection Control practice (non-compliance with hand washing, etc.).
• Teaches patients, families and others regarding infection prevention and transmission.
• Cleans equipment appropriately between patient and/or staff use.
• Assists with scheduling tests and treatments; pre-certifies patients for hospital care and/or procedures, and processes referrals to other providers.
• Coordinates care with social services as needed.
• Contributes to the development of policies and procedures as needed.
• Compiles and condenses technical and statistical data for reports and records.
• Makes phone calls to pharmacists for medication refills. Makes phone calls with other healthcare professionals as needed.
• Arranges consults and outside tests as needed.
• Calls patients about tests or procedure results and returns patient’s calls with answers after consulting with physician.
• Schedules tests or procedures ordered by physician as needed.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Child (5 to 9 Years)
• Assesses and interprets data relative to patient’s age.
• Involves parents in administration and planning of care.
• Evaluates and documents for signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Prepares and administers medications based on weight, age and sensitivity.
• Recognizes child’s need to exercise some control.
• Provides for privacy.
• Assesses for non-verbal needs for support.
• Keeps explanations short, simple and logical, using correct terminology.

Adolescent (10 to 18 Years)
• Assesses and interprets data relative to patient’s age.
• Evaluates and documents for signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Prepares and administers medication based on weight, age and sensitivity.
• Involves patient in decision making and planning for care and teaching.
• Provides for privacy.
• Uses proper medical terminology.
• Allows adolescent to maintain control and realizes there may be resistance.

Adult (19 to 69)
• Assesses and interprets data relative to patient’s age.
• Evaluates and documents for signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Prepares and administers medication based on weight, age and sensitivity.
• Involves patient in planning of care and educational needs.
• Recognizes anxiety regarding potential changes in lifestyle resulting from injury/condition.
• Addresses patient appropriately.
• Explains procedures using correct terminology.
• Recognizes patient’s level of psychosocial development and modifies interventions accordingly.
• Provides for patient’s privacy.
• Respects patient’s right to refuse treatment.

Geriatric (70 Years and Older)
• Evaluates and documents for signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Assesses and interprets data relative to patient’s age.
• Prepares and administers medications based on weight, age and sensitivity.
• Recognizes anxiety regarding potential changes in lifestyle resulting from injury/condition.
• Addresses patient appropriately.
• Explains procedures using correct terminology.
• Provides for patient privacy.
• Respects patient’s right to refuse treatment.
• Recognizes patient’s level of psychosocial development and modifies interactions accordingly.

Professional Requirements

Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
Complete annual education requirements.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Report to work on time and as scheduled.
Wear identification while on duty.
Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
Attend regular staff meetings and in-services as needed.

Non-Essential Functions

Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situation
Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude
Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

Sitting for extended periods of time (up to 4 hour intervals)
Must be able to walk, bend, stoop and reach/lift above your head, without any assistive devices.
Must be able to read documentation in a variety of formats such as in print and electronically.
Must be able to hear adequately enough in order to clearly communicate with others and use communication devices such as telephones must be able to hear patients, alarms, call bells, etc.
Maintains mental and emotional stability, using a courteous and calm approach in all contacts with patients, visitors and healthcare team members.
Must be able to lift 10 pounds or more.
Have near normal hearing – able to hear alarms/telephone/normal speaking voice/ webinars
Have near normal vision – clarity of vision (both near and far) either corrected on non-corrected, ability to distinguish colors
Have good manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination
Standing – continuously within the shift (67-100%)
Walking – continuously within the shift (67-100%)
Climbing – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)
Bending/stooping – frequently within the shift (34-66%)
Twist at the waist – occasionally with the shift (1-33%)
Pushing/pulling – frequently within the shift (34-66%)
Lift/carry – 20lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)
Reaching above the shoulders – frequently within the shift (34-67%)
Lift/carry – 50lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%).

Stephens County Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition, carrier status or any other legally protected status.

marie.culver@stephenscountyhospital.com